BEST OUTDOORS in wa
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, WA 98103
Established in 1899, Woodland Park Zoo has been a source of delight, discovery, and cherished memories for generations of Northwest families. Visitors who immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world are motivated to safeguard it. Each year, the zoo guides over a million people on a transformative journey, fostering a lifelong appreciation for animals, igniting scientific curiosity, and empowering conservation efforts.
Discovery Park
Seattle, WA 98199
Discovery Park, Seattle’s largest city park, sprawls across 534 acres of former Fort Lawton land. Perched on Magnolia Bluff with sweeping views of Puget Sound, it boasts both Cascade and Olympic Mountain vistas. The park features two miles of protected tidal beaches, meadows, sea cliffs, forests, sand dunes, and streams. A haven for wildlife, it also serves as an outdoor classroom for nature education. In 2017, a renovation enhanced the play area with ADA-compliant equipment, including climbing structures, swings, and treehouse-like features, all built to withstand the elements. Boating access is available near the West Point Lighthouse.
Mount Rainier National Park
39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304
Within the Washington landscape, Mount Rainier ascends to 14,410 feet above sea level—an iconic, active volcano. Its icy peak, the most glaciated in the contiguous U.S.A., gives birth to five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows encircle the mountain, while ancient forests cloak its lower slopes. Within this pristine ecosystem, wildlife thrives, inviting a lifetime of exploration. Welcome to Mount Rainier National Park—a sanctuary where nature’s grandeur unfolds.
Olympic National Park
3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362
Olympic National Park showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes. Its million-acre expanse shelters diverse ecosystems—glacier-clad peaks, ancient temperate rainforests, and rugged coastlines. Here, history intertwines with nature, inviting exploration and wonder. Whether tracing ancient footprints or gazing at mist-shrouded mountains, visitors immerse themselves in this captivating wilderness.
Chittenden Locks & Carl English Botanical Gardens
3015 NW 54th St, Seattle, WA 98107
Within the Hiram M. Chittenden-Ballard Locks, the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden flourishes across seven acres. For over four decades, Carl’s horticultural expertise transformed this space into an enchanting English estate-style garden. His vision extended beyond the garden’s borders, contributing to the waterside plantings along the Fremont and Montlake Cuts, integral to the Lake Washington Ship Canal . Visitors can explore this oasis, meandering through labeled trails adorned with flowers and mature trees, while the visitor center houses a small museum chronicling the locks’ history. Whether attending free events, picnicking, or celebrating weddings, the garden remains a serene escape from Seattle’s hustle and bustle.
